Grow your start-up with Oklahoma's best accelerators & incubators
Get the right guidance to help scale your start-up from mentors who have been there, done that.
Choosing The Right Accelerator
Start-ups are hard. Choose an accelerator that guides you in the right direction.
"I doubt that Stripe would have worked without YC. It's that simple."
Patrick Collison, Founder, Stripe
"Accelerators claim they are in it for the long haul — I call bullshit"
Chris Lynch, Founder, Atlas Venture
"The network we built with Techstars was incredibly valuable during and after the program."
Raj Aggarwal, Founder, Localytics
What truly matters
Do the alumni rate them truly well?
Figuring what’s in it for you
Two-way communication > Interview
Accelerator’s connections in the industry
Discover your perfect match
No accelerator or incubator is perfect for every start-up. Your business’s context and constraints matter. Identify your perfect match by answering this short questionnaire.
Oklahoma's Top Accelerators By Neighborhoods
Comparing Accelerators
This page covers the top accelerators and incubators in Oklahoma.
However if geography isn’t a hard constraint, and you are only looking for the best incubators and accelerators across the US, check here.
Brief Overview Of Different Accelerators
1) Build in Tulsa Techstars Accelerator
This industry-agnostic program, based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is dedicated to empowering underrepresented founders. Spanning a duration of 13 weeks, it aims to foster entrepreneurship while honoring the spirit of the historic Black Wall Street. The 2024 cohort begins on June 6th, with a demo day scheduled for September 2024. Applications opened on May 22nd, 2024, with a final deadline set for August 26th, 2024. Tré Baker serves as the Managing Director and is supported by a team that includes Leticia Calvillo (Program Manager), James Lydiard (Investment Associate), and Britni Nixon (Program Coordinator). Participants benefit from extensive mentorship, access to a global network of over 10,000 mentors and investors, dedicated office space, and connections to potential sources of capital. Notable founders associated with this initiative include Brad Feld, Chisa Egbelu, Daniel Mason, David Brown, David Cohen, and Jared Polis, enhancing its credibility and impact in nurturing innovative startups across various sectors.
2) Oklahoma City University - Love's Entrepreneurship Center
The institution, in partnership with nationally ranked startup accelerator gener8tor, aims to enhance the startup ecosystem in Oklahoma City. Collaborating with organizations such as the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, Inasmuch Foundation, and Loves Travel Stops, this accelerator commenced in Fall 2021, offering two annual gBETA 'pre-accelerator' programs. Each cohort consists of five teams, providing resources including intensive coaching, access to a network of mentors, and connections to potential customers and investors, all with no fees and no equity requirements. The program focuses on fostering innovation among diverse founders while supporting early-stage companies in securing customer traction and developing competitive metrics for future investment opportunities. Notably, alumni from the gBETA program have raised over $188 million in capital and created more than 2,000 jobs across the U.S. and Canada. Furthermore, the accelerator embodies a commitment to democratizing access to entrepreneurial resources, enriching the local entrepreneurial landscape significantly.
3) Rose Rock Bridge
This non-profit energy technology incubator is located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, developed through collaboration with Tulsa Innovation Labs, Energy Innovation Capital, Williams, Devon, and ONEOK. Its mission centers on sourcing, commercializing, and integrating emerging technologies to support hard-to-abate industries in achieving sustainability goals, with a focus on both physical sciences and digital innovations. The incubation process includes selecting high-potential academic research with a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 3 or higher, translating research through a 6-week accelerator program, and providing a 1-year zero-equity remote incubation program with $100,000 in non-dilutive funding. Startups work closely with oil and gas partners in Tulsa, concentrating on areas such as Enhanced Geothermal Systems, Critical Minerals, Produced Water Treatment, and Methane Management. The 2024 cohort will see applications due by April 30, with the program launching on June 15. It emphasizes collaboration with energy partners, legal and IP support, and aims to create a thriving tech community in Tulsa while accelerating the next generation of energy technology leaders.
4) Stichcrew
This organization connects startups and entrepreneurs with essential capital, resources, and social networks, aiming to support underserved founders by democratizing access to critical elements. They offer specialized programs tailored to various communities, including the OKC Latino Accelerator, focused on helping Latino-owned businesses in Oklahoma City achieve revenue growth targets of $1 million. This program includes a $15,000 non-dilutive grant, business coaching, and mentorship. Another initiative, the Cherokee Women Accelerator, provides a platform for Cherokee women-owned businesses to develop their ventures in collaboration with the Cherokee Nation and the University of Tulsa. Additionally, the BASF Inclusive Beauty Accelerator offers participants a $10,000 non-dilutive grant and opportunities to engage with beauty and personal care executives while presenting their products to CPG investors. Led by founders Chris Lucas and Erika Lucas, the institution focuses on sectors such as Latino businesses, Cherokee women entrepreneurs, and inclusive beauty ventures. Participants benefit from non-dilutive financial support, expert guidance, and the chance to connect with like-minded individuals, fostering an environment conducive to innovation and growth.
5) ACT House
ACT House is a unique accelerator program that provides a 6-month immersive experience specifically designed for Black and Latino founders. Established in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the initiative aims to level the playing field by equipping underrepresented entrepreneurs with necessary resources and support. Each participating startup receives a $70,000 capital investment, offered at 0% interest and with no equity taken, allowing founders to focus on growth without financial burdens. The program has funded 45 startups to date, which have collectively generated over $10 million in revenue in 2022, creating 114 jobs and attracting significant follow-on capital. Founders engage in two distinct phases of training: in the first phase, they learn foundational business concepts, while the second phase prepares them for executive roles. The organization also emphasizes the importance of community, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of diverse founders who collaborate and grow together. Prominent figures leading the initiative include Dominick Ardis and Ido David, underlining its commitment to empowerment and transformation in various industries such as Edtech and SaaS.
Top Reasons Start-ups Participate In Accelerators
Developing business sense
Which metrics will make or break your start-up?- You can have 100k users and still fail.
Learning about market forces
The market seems fair from a distance. But there are certain patterns to how it operates.
Holistic growth
Marketing, Sales, Tech, Ops, HR, Finance, Admin...... you can’t go wrong in any one field.
Early state financing
Big ideas arise mostly when you don’t have to worry about day to day expenses.
Why an accelerator might not be right for you
It's usually helpful to consider potential pitfalls. Some common misconceptions
It isn't about the exits
Accelerators and investors care much more about getting a return rather than building a business. However that's not a luxury founders can afford.
Only you feel the punch
Everybody has a plan till they get punched in the face. Strategy & accelerators can only guide you to a point. No one else will feel the struggle as you would.
Rome wasn't built in 12-16 weeks
Every business needs a strong foundation, but while some businesses can figure the basics in 3 months, others need > 1 year.
FAQs About Start-up Accelerators
Author Bio
Michael Li
For the last 10+ years Michael has helped start-ups of all scales and sizes succeed. A 2X entrepreneur, he is now working on Aerial to help founders avoid costly mistakes. He regularly writes for publications like the Wall Street Journal, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, Harvard Business Review and others.
Last updated date 4/5/2024
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Accelerators and Incubators in oklahoma
Looking for the best accelerators in Oklahoma? Here are some top reasons to choose an accelerator in the state - access to mentorship, networking opportunities, and resources to help your startup grow. Oklahoma boasts a vibrant start-up culture with a supportive community of entrepreneurs and investors who are dedicated to fostering innovation and growth. When choosing the right accelerator, consider factors such as industry focus, program duration, funding opportunities, and the track record of success of past participants. Some notable start-ups from Oklahoma that have achieved success include Paycom, a leading provider of human capital management software; WeGoLook, a platform for on-demand field services; and Spiers New Technologies, a company specializing in wireless energy solutions. These success stories underscore the potential for growth and success that accelerators in Oklahoma can offer to aspiring entrepreneurs. Accelerators in Oklahoma provide a valuable platform for start-ups to thrive and make a mark in the competitive business landscape. Consider joining an accelerator today to take your start-up to new heights!
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